That Prince Is A Girl: The Vicious King’s Slave Mate Novel

Chapter 313: Rising before dawn, Aekeira barely snatched an hour of sleep before tirelessly cleaning Blackstone's entire third wing. Then, she tended the gardens, watering, weeding, and planting. By midday, she was exhausted but elated. Everything was going according to plan. She would see Em.

Humming a cheerful tune, Aekeira moved around the toolshed, organizing.

"Well, well. Look who it is. The human witch."

She spun at Slavemaster Tyke's voice. He stood in the doorway, pipe in hand. Her eyes fell, concealing the fear rising within. She hadn't encountered him since that dreadful evening, and she'd hoped she never would again. "Good day, Master Tyke."

"Spare me the pleasantries." He inhaled deeply from his pipe. "What did you do to His Highness?"

"I'm afraid I don't understand-"

"Don't play coy with me!" He advanced menacingly. Aekeira stumbled back until her spine met the rough wall, trapping her. His eyes burned with rage, muscles tensed. "Lord Vladya despises your kind. He finds great joy in eradicating vermin like you. What did you do to earn his favor?"

Panic clawed at Aekeira's throat, and she glanced at the door, longing for escape. "I swear, I've done nothing wrong."

"Liar!" he thundered, closing the distance, looming over her. His hand shot out, gripping her jaw tightly, forcing her to meet his stare.

"You're pretty, but so are half the women here. Your looks alone wouldn't fixate Lord Vladya. If it's not witchcraft, then what? Are you that skilled in bed? Is your cunt that enticing?" Aekeira struggled, her jaw aching under his grip.

"Maybe I should find out myself, eh? See what all the fuss is about."

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"Lord Vladya summoned me not long ago," Aekeira blurted. "I was just on my way to see him. If I'm late, he'll want to know why."

Tyke's grip tightened momentarily, before shoving her away in disgust. "Get out of my sight!"

She fled the shed without a second thought.

"You're Aekeira," the High Lord of Agriculture said, stepping into view. Aekeira stood from the chair where she had been waiting and bowed respectfully. "Yes, my lord."

"I've heard so much about you," he said with a warm smile. "I am High Lord Herod. I'm glad you could make it."

"Thank you, my lord." Aekeira's gaze swept through her surroundings.

"My lord, if it's not too much trouble, I would like to see my sister."

The handsome lord nodded and turned. "Come with me."

Aekeira followed, navigating the luxurious space until they stopped at a door at the end of the hallway. The High Lord faced her. "She's in recovery. A delicate state. Be gentle with her."

The door opened, and Aekeira entered to see Em on the bed, unclothed, a thick towel beneath her. Identical towels were stacked nearby-Aekeira counted ten-before her attention snapped back to Em. Her sister was curled in a fetal position, facing away from Aekeira, making pained sounds. She hadn't reacted to the sound of the door.

Aekeira approached, her heart aching. "Em…"

Em jerked, slowly unfurling to face her. Her eyes fluttered open. "Keira?"

"It's me." Emotion thickened Aekeira's throat as she leaned in, embracing her sister. "Em, I've missed you so much."

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